AVAILABLE METHODS OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) IN SUPERIOR COURT (ARCivP 16(d), 72)
There are several ADR methods currently available, other than arbitration:
Traditional settlement conference before a retained judicial officer.
File a Request for Settlement Conference and then follow-up with Case Management Services for the setting of a conference before a settlement judicial officer.
Should not be the trial judicial officer because disclosure in settlement may compromise the judicial officer’s capacity to act if settlement is unsuccessful.
Utilization of a settlement judge pro-tem.
Given the difficulty of getting onto a judicial officer’s calendar for a settlement conference, the court has established a program in which experienced lawyers in the community have acted as settlement masters in the settlement of cases.
Outside private mediation.
There are several experienced, competent lawyers who conduct mediation (i.e., settlement conferences) for a fee.
They may be contacted directly for their availability and requirements.
